JP6726744B2 - Ultrasonic observation device, method of operating ultrasonic observation device, and operation program of ultrasonic observation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic observation apparatus, an ultrasonic observation apparatus operating method, and an ultrasonic observation apparatus operating program.

Conventionally, ultrasonic elastography has been known as a technique for diagnosing an observation target using ultrasonic waves (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Ultrasonic elastography is a technique that utilizes the fact that the hardness of cancer or tumor tissue in a living body varies depending on the progress of the disease and the living body. In this technique, coloring is performed using an average value of the displacement amount of the living tissue in a predetermined region of interest (ROI) as a reference value to generate an elastic image in which information regarding the hardness of the living tissue is imaged. .. In ultrasonic elastography, an operator such as a doctor sets a region of interest according to the contents of observation.

JP, 2009-261686, A

By the way, in the conventional ultrasonic elastography, the operator sets the region of interest in the entire ultrasonic image, and observes the elastic image of the entire ultrasonic image, so that the hardness of the region that is considered to be cancer or tumor is hard. It was troublesome to find the area to be diagnosed with priority from the inside.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, an ultrasonic observation apparatus capable of extracting a region to be diagnosed preferentially without the trouble of an operator, an operating method of the ultrasonic observation apparatus, And an operation program of the ultrasonic observation apparatus.

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, an ultrasonic observation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention transmits ultrasonic waves to an observation target, and ultrasonic waves that receive the ultrasonic waves reflected by the observation target. An image processing unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on an ultrasonic signal received from a transducer, an elasticity information calculation unit that calculates elasticity information of the observation target in a preset region in the ultrasonic image, and In the set region, the elasticity information calculated by the elasticity information calculation unit extracts a region satisfying a predetermined condition, and an operation based on the elasticity information of each region extracted by the region extraction unit. A calculation unit that calculates diagnosis support information that assists a person in determining the diagnosis order of each region, the diagnosis support information calculated by the calculation unit, and an image combination unit that generates an image that is combined with the ultrasound image. It is characterized by including.

Further, in the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the predetermined condition is that the hardness is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value based on the elasticity information, and the hardness equal to or higher than the threshold value continues for a predetermined time or more. Or that the hardness equal to or more than a threshold value is equal to or more than a predetermined area.

Further, the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the diagnosis support information is determined by the calculation unit based on the elasticity information, the priority when diagnosing each region extracted by the region extraction unit Is characterized in that

Further, the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a region of interest setting unit that sets a region including the region extracted by the region extracting unit as a region of interest, and the image synthesis unit includes the region of interest setting unit. An image is generated by combining the ultrasound image with the elastography image data of the region of interest set by.

The ultrasonic observation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an input unit that receives an input from an operator, and the region of interest setting unit calculates the calculation unit according to the input received by the input unit. It is characterized in that the regions of interest are switched in order from a region including a region with a high priority.

Further, in the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the region of interest setting unit is such that the area of the region and the area of the peripheral region of the region are centered on the center of gravity of the region extracted by the region extracting unit. The feature is that the region of interest is set so as to have a predetermined ratio.

Further, the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the region extraction unit, based on the elasticity information calculated by the elasticity information calculation unit, continuously for a predetermined time or more, a relatively hard region. A feature is that a closed area having a predetermined area or more is extracted.

Further, the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the calculation unit sets, as a priority order, a hardness that is hard based on the elasticity information of each region extracted by the region extraction unit. To do.

Further, the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the calculation unit sets, as a priority order, an area having a larger area size of each region extracted by the region extraction unit.

Further, the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, the image synthesis unit, in a mode in which the degree of interference with the ultrasonic image is low, each region extracted by the region extraction unit, to the ultrasonic image. The feature is that a combined image is generated.

Further, the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the image composition unit generates an image in which each region extracted by the region extraction unit is identifiable by a broken line, a dotted line, or a solid line. To do.

Further, the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the image synthesizing unit generates an image in which the priorities calculated by the calculating unit are identifiable by numerical values or colors.

Further, an operating method of an ultrasonic observation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic signal transmitted from an ultrasonic transducer that transmits ultrasonic waves to an observation target and receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by the observation target. A method of operating an ultrasonic observation apparatus for generating an ultrasonic image based on an elasticity information calculation unit, wherein an elasticity information calculation step of calculating elasticity information of the observation target in a preset region in the ultrasonic image, A region extraction unit that extracts a region in the preset region where the elasticity information calculated by the elasticity information calculation unit satisfies a predetermined condition; and the calculation unit extracts the region extraction unit. Based on the elasticity information of each area, the calculation step of calculating the diagnosis support information for assisting the operator in determining the diagnosis order of each area, the image combining unit, the diagnosis support information calculated by the calculation unit. And an image combining step of generating an image combined with the ultrasonic image.

Further, the operation program of the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention transmits an ultrasonic wave to an observation target, and an ultrasonic signal received from an ultrasonic transducer that receives the ultrasonic wave reflected by the observation target. An operation program of an ultrasonic observation apparatus for generating an ultrasonic image based on, an elasticity information calculation unit, an elasticity information calculation step of calculating elasticity information of the observation target in a preset region in the ultrasonic image, A region extraction unit that extracts a region in the preset region where the elasticity information calculated by the elasticity information calculation unit satisfies a predetermined condition; and the calculation unit extracts the region extraction unit. Based on the elasticity information of each area, the calculation step of calculating the diagnosis support information for assisting the operator in determining the diagnosis order of each area, the image combining unit, the diagnosis support information calculated by the calculation unit. And an image synthesizing step of generating an image synthesized with the ultrasonic image, the ultrasonic observing apparatus performing the image synthesizing step.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the ultrasonic observation apparatus which can extract the area|region which should be diagnosed preferentially, the operating method of an ultrasonic observation apparatus, and the operating program of an ultrasonic observation apparatus, without an operator's effort. Can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system including an ultrasonic observation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing performed by the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display device. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a region including a region having the highest priority is set as a region of interest. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a region including a region having the second highest priority is set as a region of interest. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a region including a region having the third highest priority is set as a region of interest. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display device in the ultrasonic diagnostic system including the ultrasonic observation device according to the modification of the embodiment.

Embodiments of an ultrasonic observation apparatus, an ultrasonic observation apparatus operating method, and an ultrasonic observation apparatus operating program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to general ultrasonic observation apparatuses capable of performing diagnosis by ultrasonic elastography.

In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are appropriately assigned the same reference numerals. Further, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationship of each element, the ratio of each element, and the like may differ from reality. Even between the drawings, there are cases where parts having different dimensional relationships and ratios are included.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic system including an ultrasonic observation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. An ultrasonic diagnostic system 1 shown in FIG. 1 transmits an ultrasonic wave to an object to be observed and receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by the object, and an ultrasonic endoscope 2. The ultrasonic observation device 3 that generates an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic signal acquired by the ultrasonic observation device 3, and the display device 4 that displays the ultrasonic image generated by the ultrasonic observation device 3.

The ultrasonic endoscope 2 converts the electric pulse signal received from the ultrasonic observation device 3 into an ultrasonic pulse (acoustic pulse) at its distal end to irradiate the subject and is reflected by the subject. It has an ultrasonic transducer 21 which converts the ultrasonic echo into an electric echo signal (ultrasonic signal) expressed by a voltage change and outputs the electric echo signal. The ultrasonic oscillator 21 is realized by a convex oscillator. However, the ultrasonic vibrator 21 may be configured by a radial type or linear type oscillator. The ultrasonic endoscope 2 may be one that mechanically scans the ultrasonic transducer 21, or a plurality of elements are provided in an array as the ultrasonic transducer 21 and the elements involved in transmission and reception are electronically arranged. Electronic switching may be performed by switching or delaying transmission/reception of each element.

The ultrasonic endoscope 2 usually has an imaging optical system and an imaging element, and is inserted into the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum, large intestine) or respiratory organ (trachea, bronchus) of the subject to digest the digestion. It is possible to image ducts, respiratory organs and their surrounding organs (pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, biliary tract, lymph nodes, mediastinal organs, blood vessels, etc.). In addition, the ultrasonic endoscope 2 has a light guide that guides the illumination light with which the subject is irradiated during imaging. The light guide has a distal end reaching the distal end of the insertion portion of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 into the subject, and a proximal end connected to a light source device that generates illumination light.

The ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 includes a transmitter/receiver 31, a signal processor 32, an image processor 33, a frame memory 34, an elasticity information calculator 35, a region extractor 36, a calculator 37, and an image synthesizer. 38, a region-of-interest setting unit 39, an input unit 40, a storage unit 41, and a control unit 42.

The transmission/reception unit 31 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 2, transmits a transmission signal (pulse signal) composed of a high voltage pulse to the ultrasonic transducer 21 based on a predetermined waveform and transmission timing, and An echo signal, which is an electrical reception signal, is received from the sound wave transducer 21 to generate digital high frequency (RF: Radio Frequency) signal data (hereinafter referred to as RF data), and output to the signal processing unit 32.

The frequency band of the pulse signal transmitted by the transmission/reception unit 31 may be a wide band that substantially covers the linear response frequency band of the electroacoustic conversion of the pulse signal into the ultrasonic pulse in the ultrasonic transducer 21.

The transmission/reception unit 31 transmits various control signals output by the control unit 42 to the ultrasonic endoscope 2, receives various information including an identification ID from the ultrasonic endoscope 2, and receives the control unit 42. It also has a function to send to.

Further, when the transmission/reception unit 31 acquires the control information indicating that the elastography is performed from the control unit 42, the transmission signal including the high-voltage pulse based on the waveform and the transmission timing for obtaining the B-mode image and the image related to the elastography. The (pulse signal) is transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer 21. Specifically, the transmission/reception unit 31 superimposes a pulse for elastography on a pulse for B-mode image acquisition, for example. The transmission/reception unit 31 acquires an echo signal for elastography by transmitting ultrasonic waves in the same direction a plurality of times and receiving a plurality of reflected echo signals. When the transmission/reception unit 31 receives the echo signal for elastography, it generates RF data for elastography and outputs it to the signal processing unit 32.

The signal processing unit 32 generates digital B-mode reception data based on the RF data received from the transmission/reception unit 31. Specifically, the signal processing unit 32 performs known processing such as bandpass filter, envelope detection, and logarithmic conversion on the RF data to generate digital B-mode reception data. In logarithmic conversion, a common logarithm of an amount obtained by dividing RF data by a reference voltage is taken and expressed as a decibel value. The reception data for B mode is composed of a plurality of line data in which the amplitude or strength of the reception signal indicating the strength of reflection of the ultrasonic pulse is arranged along the transmission/reception direction (depth direction) of the ultrasonic pulse. The signal processing unit 32 outputs the generated one-frame B-mode reception data to the image processing unit 33.

The signal processing unit 32 also generates elastography reception data based on the elastography RF data received from the transmission/reception unit 31. Specifically, the signal processing unit 32 uses the RF data in the same direction to calculate a change in the amplitude or intensity of the received signal indicating the intensity of reflection of the ultrasonic pulse for each predetermined depth, and the calculation is performed. A sound ray (line data) having the changed amount is generated. The received data for elastography is composed of a plurality of line data in which the amount of change in the amplitude or intensity of the received signal indicating the intensity of reflection of the ultrasonic pulse is arranged along the transmission/reception direction (depth direction) of the ultrasonic pulse. The signal processing unit 32 is realized by using a CPU (Central Processing Unit), various arithmetic circuits, and the like.

The image processing unit 33 generates B-mode image data based on the B-mode reception data received from the signal processing unit 32. The image processing unit 33 performs signal processing using known techniques such as scan converter processing, gain processing, and contrast processing on the B-mode reception data output from the signal processing unit 32, and in the display device 4. B-mode image data is generated by thinning out data according to the data step width determined according to the display range of the image. In the scan converter processing, the scan direction of the B-mode reception data is converted from the ultrasonic scan direction to the display direction of the display device 4. The ultrasonic image that is a B-mode image is a grayscale image in which the values of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) that are variables when the RGB color system is adopted as the color space are matched. .. The image generated by the image processing unit 33 is larger than the display area that the display device 4 can display. In other words, the B-mode image displayed on the display device 4 is a part of the B-mode image generated by the image processing unit 33.

Further, the image processing unit 33, based on the elasticity information calculated by the elasticity information calculation unit 35 described later, the elastography image data in the region of interest (ROI: Region of Interest) set by the region of interest setting unit 39 described later. To generate. Specifically, the image processing unit 33 generates elastography image data by adding color information to each depth position according to the relative amount of change in the set region of interest. The color information is elasticity information indicating the hardness of the observation target at each position, and is represented by a color relatively determined by the rate of change in the region of interest.

The image processing unit 33 performs coordinate conversion to rearrange the received data for the B mode from the signal processing unit 32 and the elasticity information from the elasticity information calculation unit 35 so that the scanning range can be spatially correctly expressed, and then the B mode. Interpolation processing is performed between the reception data for communication and the reception data for elastography to fill the gaps between the reception data for B mode and generate B mode image data and elastography image data. The image processing unit 33 is realized by using a CPU, various arithmetic circuits, and the like.

The frame memory 34 is realized by using, for example, a ring buffer, and stores one frame of B-mode image data generated by the image processing unit 33 in time series. The frame memory 34 may store the B-mode image data of a plurality of frames in time series. In this case, when the capacity of the frame memory 34 is insufficient (when a predetermined number of frames of B-mode image data is stored), the oldest B-mode image data is overwritten with the latest B-mode image data, so that the latest B-mode image data is stored. A predetermined number of frames of image data are stored in chronological order.

The elasticity information calculation unit 35 calculates elasticity information of the observation target in a preset area in the ultrasonic image based on the elastography reception data received from the signal processing unit 32. The preset area is, for example, the entire ultrasonic image, and the elasticity information calculation unit 35 calculates the elasticity information at each position in the ultrasonic image. However, the preset area is not limited to the entire ultrasonic image, and may be, for example, a predetermined area located in the central portion of the ultrasonic image. The elasticity information here refers to, for example, the elastic modulus and the amount of displacement.

The area extracting unit 36 extracts an area in the ultrasonic image in which the elasticity information at each position calculated by the elasticity information calculating unit 35 satisfies a predetermined condition. Here, the predetermined condition is, for example, based on elasticity information, that the hardness is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, that the hardness equal to or higher than the threshold continues for a predetermined time, or the hardness equal to or higher than the threshold is a predetermined area. Conditions such as the above are mentioned. However, it may be set as a predetermined condition that a plurality of these conditions are satisfied. Specifically, the region extraction unit 36 extracts a region in the ultrasonic image where the hardness based on the elasticity information of the observation target at each position is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold and the hardness is hard. Further, the region extraction unit 36 is configured to extract a closed region having a relatively hard region having a predetermined area or more continuously based on the elasticity information calculated by the elasticity information calculation unit 35 for a predetermined time or more. Good. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the number of regions to be extracted from being too large, and to prevent a region that is not actually hard from being extracted due to noise or the like. The area extraction unit 36 is realized by using a CPU, various arithmetic circuits, and the like.

The calculation unit 37 calculates the diagnosis support information that assists the operator in determining the diagnosis order of each region based on the elasticity information of each region extracted by the region extraction unit 36. The diagnosis support information is, for example, a priority order for diagnosing each area determined by the calculation unit 37 based on the elasticity information of each area. Specifically, the calculation unit 37 calculates an average value of hardness based on the elasticity information of each position included in each region extracted by the region extraction unit 36, and sets the order in which the average value is high as a priority order. .. However, the calculation unit 37 calculates the statistical value of the elasticity information of each region extracted by the region extraction unit 36 (the highest value, the mode value, the median value in each region, etc.) and gives priority to the order of the highest statistical value. You may set as a ranking. The calculation unit 37 is realized by using a CPU, various arithmetic circuits, and the like.

The image synthesizing unit 38 generates an image by synthesizing each region extracted by the region extracting unit 36 with the ultrasonic image in a manner that the degree of interference with the ultrasonic image is low. Specifically, the image synthesizing unit 38 generates an image in which each region extracted by the region extracting unit 36 is identifiably combined with the ultrasonic image by a broken line, a dotted line, a solid line, or the like. The image composition unit 38 also composes an image in which the diagnosis support information calculated by the calculation unit 37 is combined with the ultrasonic image generated by the image processing unit 33. Specifically, the image synthesis unit 38 generates an image in which the priority order determined by the calculation unit 37 is numerically synthesized with the ultrasonic image. Further, the image synthesis unit 38 generates an image in which the ultrasonic image generated by the image processing unit 33 is combined with the elastography image data of the region of interest. The image composition unit 38 is realized by using a CPU, various arithmetic circuits, and the like.

The region-of-interest setting unit 39 switches the region of interest in order from the region including the region of high priority calculated by the calculation unit 37 according to the input received by the input unit 40. Specifically, the region-of-interest setting unit 39 sets the region including the region with the highest priority calculated by the calculation unit 37 as the region of interest in response to the input received by the input unit 40. Further, the ROI setting unit 39 switches the ROI from the region having the highest priority to the region including the second highest region in response to the input received by the input unit 40. After that, the region-of-interest setting unit 39 switches the region of interest to a region including a region having a lower priority, according to the input accepted by the input unit 40. At this time, the ROI setting unit 39 sets the area of the area and the area of the peripheral area around the area centered on the center of gravity of the area extracted by the area extracting unit 36 at a predetermined ratio (for example, 1:1). Set the region of interest to.

When the ROI setting unit 39 sets the ROI around the center of gravity of the certain area, if the ROI includes another area, the ROI may be narrowed so as not to include the other area. Further, when the ROI setting unit 39 sets the ROI centering on the center of gravity of a certain area, if other areas are included, the ROI may be set to include both areas. Further, when the ROI setting unit 39 sets the ROI centering on the center of gravity of the region, if the ROI runs off the ultrasound image, the ROI should be set so as not to run off the ultrasound image. The area may be narrowed.

The region of interest setting unit 39 also has a function of setting the region input by the operator via the input unit 40 as the region of interest. The region of interest setting unit 39 is realized by using a CPU, various arithmetic circuits, and the like.

The input unit 40 is realized by using an operator interface such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, and a touch panel, and receives input of various information. The input unit 40 outputs the received information to the control unit 42. The input unit 40 receives an input from the operator to set a region of interest to a desired region. The input unit 40 also receives an instruction input by the operator to switch the region of interest to a region including a region of lower priority.

The storage unit 41 stores various programs for operating the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1, data including various parameters necessary for the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1, and the like.

The storage unit 41 also stores various programs including an operating program for executing the operating method of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 1. The operation program can be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flash memory, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a flexible disk, and distributed widely. The various programs described above can also be obtained by downloading via a communication network. The communication network here is realized by, for example, an existing public line network, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like, and may be wired or wireless.

The storage unit 41 having the above configuration is realized by using a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various programs and the like are installed in advance, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores calculation parameters and data of each process. ..

The control unit 42 controls the entire ultrasonic diagnostic system 1. The control unit 42 is realized by using a CPU having various arithmetic and control functions, various arithmetic circuits, and the like. The control unit 42 reads out the information stored and stored in the storage unit 41 from the storage unit 41 and executes various arithmetic processes related to the operation method of the ultrasonic observation device 3 to control the ultrasonic observation device 3 in a centralized manner. To do. Note that the control unit 42 is configured by using the signal processing unit 32, the image processing unit 33, the elasticity information calculating unit 35, the region extracting unit 36, the calculating unit 37, the image combining unit 38, the CPU common to the region of interest setting unit 39, and the like. It is also possible to do so.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing performed by the ultrasonic observation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, the image processing unit 33 generates an ultrasonic image of a B mode image based on the B mode reception data received from the signal processing unit 32 (step S1).

Further, the elasticity information calculation unit 35 calculates elasticity information indicating the hardness of each position in the ultrasonic image based on the elastography reception data received from the signal processing unit 32 (step S2).

Subsequently, the region extraction unit 36 extracts regions in the ultrasonic image whose hardness based on the elasticity information of the observation target at each position is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (step S3).

Then, the calculation unit 37 calculates the diagnosis support information for assisting the operator in determining the diagnosis order of each region based on the elasticity information of each region extracted by the region extraction unit 36 (step S4). Specifically, the calculation unit 37 determines, as the diagnosis support information, the priority order of each region in descending order of the average hardness value based on the elasticity information of each region.

Then, the image synthesis unit 38 generates an image in which the priority order calculated by the calculation unit 37 is numerically combined with the ultrasonic image generated by the image processing unit 33 (step S5). Further, the image synthesizing unit 38 generates an image in which the area extracted by the area extracting unit 36 is combined with the ultrasonic image generated by the image processing unit 33 by a broken line. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display device. As shown in FIG. 3, the image generated by the image combining unit 38 is displayed on the display device 4. Specifically, the display device 4 displays the areas A1, A2, and A3 extracted by the area extracting unit 36 by broken lines, and the numerical priority levels of the areas A1, A2, and A3.

After that, when the input unit 40 receives a predetermined input from the operator, the ROI setting unit 39 sets the region including the region with the highest priority calculated by the calculating unit 37 as the ROI (step S6). FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a region including a region having the highest priority is set as a region of interest. As shown in FIG. 4, the ROI setting unit 39 sets the region R1 including the region A1 having the highest priority as the ROI. Then, the image processing unit 33 generates elastography image data in the area R1. Then, the image synthesizing unit 38 generates an image in which the elastography image data is synthesized with the ultrasonic image, and causes the display device 4 to display the image.

Further, when the input unit 40 receives a predetermined input from the operator, the region of interest setting unit 39 switches the region of interest to a region including a region having the second highest priority (step S7). FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a region including a region having the second highest priority is set as a region of interest. As shown in FIG. 5, the region-of-interest setting unit 39 sets the region R2 including the region A2 having the second highest priority as the region of interest. Then, the image processing unit 33 generates elastography image data in the area R2. Then, the image synthesizing unit 38 generates an image in which the elastography image data is synthesized with the ultrasonic image, and causes the display device 4 to display the image.

After that, the control unit 42 determines whether the region including all the regions extracted by the region extraction unit 36 is set as the region of interest (step S8). When all the regions are not set as the region of interest (step S8: No), the process returns to step S7.

Here, when the input unit 40 receives a predetermined input from the operator, the region of interest setting unit 39 switches the region of interest to a region including a region having the second highest priority (step S7). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a region including a region having the third highest priority is set as a region of interest. As shown in FIG. 6, the region-of-interest setting unit 39 sets the region R3 including the region A3 having the third priority as the region of interest. Then, the image processing unit 33 generates elastography image data in the area R3. Then, the image synthesizing unit 38 generates an image in which the elastography image data is synthesized with the ultrasonic image, and causes the display device 4 to display the image.

After that, the control unit 42 determines whether the region including all the regions extracted by the region extraction unit 36 is set as the region of interest (step S8). When the region including all the regions extracted by the region extraction unit 36 is set as the region of interest (step S8: Yes), the series of processes ends.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the region to be diagnosed preferentially is extracted without the operator's trouble. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the operator can diagnose a high-priority region without any trouble. Further, according to the embodiment, each region extracted by the operator without any trouble is set as the region of interest.

(Modification)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the display device in the ultrasonic diagnostic system including the ultrasonic observation device according to the modification of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the image composition unit 38 may indicate the priority order determined by the calculation unit 37 by the type and color of the line surrounding each of the areas A1, A2, and A3. Specifically, for example, the closer the line surrounding each area A1, A2, A3 is to red, the higher the priority is, and the closer to blue, the lower the priority is.

In the above-described embodiment, the region-of-interest setting unit 39 switches the region of interest in order from the region including the region of high priority calculated by the calculation unit 37 in accordance with the input received by the input unit 40. However, it is not limited to this. For example, after the image shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display device 4 in step S5, the region-of-interest setting unit 39 sets the region including the region selected by the operator in accordance with the input accepted by the input unit 40. The configuration may be set to.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the priority is displayed as a numerical value as the diagnosis support information has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as the diagnosis support information, a hardness index may be displayed as a numerical value, or a rank or the like according to hardness may be displayed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the calculation unit 37 determines the priority order based on the statistical value of the hardness of each area, but the priority order is not limited to this. For example, the calculation unit 37 may determine the priority order in descending order of the area size of the region. Furthermore, the operator may be allowed to select the method of determining the priority order.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the image synthesizing unit 38 has been described as a configuration for generating an image in which each region extracted by the region extracting unit 36 is synthesized with an ultrasonic image by a broken line or the like, but is not limited to this. For example, the image synthesizing unit 38 may generate an image in which a transparent light color is synthesized in each region extracted by the ultrasonic image region extracting unit 36.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the ROI setting unit 39 sets the area of the area and the area of the peripheral area of the area to be a predetermined ratio with the center of gravity of the area extracted by the area extracting unit 36 as the center. The configuration for setting the region of interest has been described above, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the ROI setting unit 39 may set the ROI so as to circumscribe the region extracted by the region extracting unit 36.

Further effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the particular details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1 Ultrasonic Diagnostic System 2 Ultrasound Endoscope 3 Ultrasonic Observation Device 4 Display Device 21 Ultrasonic Transducer 31 Transmitter/Receiver 32 Signal Processor 33 Image Processor 34 Frame Memory 35 Elasticity Information Calculator 36 Area Extractor 37 Calculator 38 Image Compositing Section 39 Region of Interest Setting Section 40 Input Section 41 Storage Section 42 Control Section

Claims (13)

An image processing unit that generates an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic signal reflected by the observation target,
An elasticity information calculation unit that calculates elasticity information of the observation target in a preset area in the ultrasonic image,
In the preset region, a region extraction unit that extracts a region in which the elasticity information calculated by the elasticity information calculation unit satisfies a predetermined condition,
Based on the elasticity information of the region extracted by the region extraction unit, a calculation unit that calculates diagnostic assistance information including a high value regarding hardness in the region extracted by the region extraction unit,
An image obtained by synthesizing the ultrasonic image with a numerical value which is the priority when diagnosing each region extracted by the region extraction unit, which is determined by the calculation unit based on the diagnosis support information calculated by the calculation unit , An image synthesis unit to generate,
An ultrasonic observation apparatus comprising: Based on the elasticity information, the predetermined condition is that the hardness is a predetermined threshold value or more, the hardness of the threshold value or more continues for a predetermined time or more, or the hardness of the threshold value or more is a predetermined area or more. The ultrasonic observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any one of the above conditions is included. The numerical value is the highest value of the hardness average value in each area extracted by the area extraction unit, or the highest value of the elasticity information in each area extracted by the area extraction unit, the mode value, any of the median values. The ultrasonic observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic observation order is high . A region of interest setting unit that sets a region including the region extracted by the region extraction unit to a region of interest,
The ultrasonic observation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image synthesizing unit generates an image by synthesizing the ultrasonic image with elastography image data of the region of interest set by the region of interest setting unit. Equipped with an input unit that accepts operator input,
The super-region setting unit according to claim 4, wherein the region-of-interest setting unit switches the region of interest in order from a region including a region with a high priority calculated by the calculation unit according to an input received by the input unit. Sound wave observation device. The region-of-interest setting unit sets the region of interest such that the area of the region and the peripheral region of the region have a predetermined ratio with the center of gravity of the region extracted by the region extraction unit as the center. The ultrasonic observation apparatus according to claim 4. The area extraction unit extracts a closed area having a relatively hard area having a predetermined area or more continuously for a predetermined time or more based on the elasticity information calculated by the elasticity information calculation unit. The ultrasonic observation apparatus according to claim 1. The ultrasonic observation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the calculation unit sets, as a priority order, a descending order of the area sizes of the regions extracted by the region extraction unit. The image synthesizing unit generates an image by synthesizing the region extracted by the region extracting unit with the ultrasonic image in a mode in which the degree of interference with the ultrasonic image is low. Ultrasonic observation device. The ultrasonic observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image synthesizing unit generates an image in which the regions extracted by the region extracting unit are identifiably synthesized with a broken line, a dotted line, or a solid line. The ultrasonic observation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the image synthesizing unit generates an image in which the priority order calculated by the calculating unit is identifiable by color . A method of operating an ultrasonic observation apparatus for generating an ultrasonic image based on an ultrasonic signal reflected by an observation target,
An elasticity information calculation unit, an elasticity information calculation step of calculating elasticity information of the observation target in a preset region in the ultrasonic image,
A region extraction unit, a region extraction step of extracting a region, in the preset region, in which the elasticity information calculated by the elasticity information calculation unit satisfies a predetermined condition,
The calculation unit, based on the elasticity information of the region extracted by the region extraction unit, a calculation step of calculating diagnostic assistance information including a high value regarding hardness in the region extracted by the region extraction unit ,
The image synthesizing unit determines a numerical value that is a priority when diagnosing each region extracted by the region extracting unit, which is determined by the calculating unit based on the diagnosis support information calculated by the calculating unit , the ultrasonic image. An image synthesizing step for generating an image synthesized in
A method for operating an ultrasonic observation apparatus, comprising: An operation program of an ultrasonic observation device for generating an ultrasonic image based on an ultrasonic signal reflected by an observation target,
An elasticity information calculation unit, an elasticity information calculation step of calculating elasticity information of the observation target in a preset region in the ultrasonic image,
A region extraction unit, a region extraction step of extracting a region, in the preset region, in which the elasticity information calculated by the elasticity information calculation unit satisfies a predetermined condition,
The calculation unit, based on the elasticity information of the region extracted by the region extraction unit, a calculation step of calculating diagnostic assistance information including a high value regarding hardness in the region extracted by the region extraction unit ,
The image synthesizing unit determines a numerical value that is a priority when diagnosing each region extracted by the region extracting unit, which is determined by the calculating unit based on the diagnosis support information calculated by the calculating unit, as the ultrasonic image. An image synthesizing step for generating an image synthesized in
An operating program for an ultrasonic observation apparatus, characterized by causing the ultrasonic observation apparatus to execute.

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